THE LOCAL ARTISAN GUIDE
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Accessories, affordable fashion, artisans, boots, children, fashion, fashion blog, food, gifts, handbags, handmade, Isle of Mull, jewelry, locally produced, New York City, perfume, shoes, shop local, shopping, shopping guide, Souvenir shopping, sustainable fashion, sustainable shopping, The Local Artisan Guide, Tobermory, covid 19 shopping, black friday
In a Covid world The Local Artisan Guide has had to rethink some of our strategies and our mission in connecting local artisans with those who seek their products as many of these small brands have unfortunately either have closed for good, relocated or are now operating solely online.
The last few months The Local Artisan Guide has been hitting the pavement to update our index of small brands and artisans that have managed to maintain their brick and mortar stores during these difficult times when lockdown has been the death knell for so many businesses both large and small around the world. We have researched and updated where many small brands have relocated and currently we are now focusing on brands that operate solely online.
The Local Artisan Guide has from the beginning featured brick and mortar stores of small brands and artisans from around the world. It is a very niche aspiration fueled by an audience of philocalist around the world who love travel, beauty, art and fine craftsmanship. Our devotees currently cannot travel freely and explore the world as they were able to in the past, so for now The Local Artisan Guide is fast forwarding our plan to also feature brands that either operate solely online or open seasonal pop up stores/markets. In a Covid and even in a post Covid world having an online presence is now essential to keep small brands and artisans going and our recommendations below are going to represent both categories.
The twenty one brands and artisans in this post are tried and true and include all price points. They are located in New York City, London, Scotland, Paris and Rome. In the turbulent year of 2020 our objective is to connect the artisan and the stagnant philocalist in a mutually satisfying enterprise whilst shopping in a safe and responsible manner. Please be aware some of the brick and mortar stores mentioned in this post may be temporary closed due to lockdown however their online sites are still operating.
ARTICLE 22 offers these earrings are the definition of sustainable: environmentally, they are upcycled from shrapnel and debris, culturally, they are made by fair trade Laotian artisans who developed this craft technique in the 1970s, and socially, men and women work side byside at homemade earthen kilns in their gardens.
DESIDERI DESIGNS is a jewelry brand created by Roman native turned New Yorker Claudia Desideri. Exquisitely handcrafted in her Manhattan studio each piece of jewelry is unique and one-of-a-kind. Only using high quality materials like the gorgeous and luxury Swarovski crystals and precious metals. Desideri Designs go beyond industry standard to offer silver, gold and crystals with daring designs that reflect a sense of beauty, and craftsmanship.
PIPER & LEAF TEA is a family run local tea company creating gourmet blends that are simply divine to sip iced on a steamy summer night, or hot on a long winter evening, and serving the joy, are their passions. Based in North Alabama, their teas are blended with as many local ingredients as possible, straight from the garden, farm, forest, and briar patch.
PATENT OF HEART is a leatherwear brand created by Turkish designer Elif Akaydin. Patent of Heart works hard to create stylish sustainable leather goods that give back to woman causes. Our Heart shaped keychain goes with just about everything! Its great for your car, home keys, your purse or a great gift! The leather feels soft to touch yet sturdy in shape. It comes with a a small 14K gold plated heart charm attached to the key ring.
SOMEONE, SOMEWHERE is a brand that works with artisans in Mexico, mostly women. The Sunshine Lightpack is 40% lighter than the average bag, and can also be rolled to take up less space than a Chipotle burrito 🌯 This is all thanks to a traditional technique – perfected by the artisans of Oaxaca, Mexico – that threads material tighter than any industrial machine. Be nimble, be quick! This pack flies off the shelf.
Gold Antenna Ring, $480 Oxidized Sterling Silver with 6 14k recycled gold balls.
JUDITH HAAS is a Dutch jewelry designer and fine artist based in New York. Judith specializes in using gold, silver, bronze and semi precious stones. Her work is characterized by finely crafted textures and unfinished surfaces in contrast with colorful patinas that reflect her passion for art and design history and the industrial environment surrounding her Williamsburg Brooklyn studio.
HIGHGROVE GARDENS. It was our binge watching of season 4 of “The Crown” that led us to this pick. Curious to see what Prince Charles grows in his organic gardens at his home in Highgrove, we discovered an array of specialized botanical products. Their soaps will Infuse your bathroom or cloakroom with the delicate fragrance of bluebells with this luxury triple-milled soap. Made from pure vegetable oil, it gives a wonderfully rich and moisturising lather to leave skin feeling beautifully clean, soft and lightly scented. Part of Highgrove’s Miriam range, the soap is wrapped in paper printed with our specially commissioned floral design. Created by London artist and former Liberty designer Sally Kelly, it is a wonderful interpretation of the myriad flowers and grasses that grow in Highgrove’s Wildflower Meadow. The range takes its name from Dame Miriam Rothschild, a passionate conservationist, who created the original seed mix that was planted in the meadow over 40 years ago.
BIANCA ELGAR is a British accessories and apparel designer whose designs are made from the finest materials, (mostly are also made in the Britain), they are manufactured by talented craftsmen and women to an impeccable standard. This scarf is a dramatic, oversized 130 cm square scarf. A versatile style statement! Silkscreen print design, sunshine yellow and bold orange flowers against a tropical blue background contrast with black and white detail. Printed on pure, luxurious silk in rich pigment, it will imbue your look with a dash of art. 100% Silk Twill. Edges are finely pin hemmed.
JOHN ROBSHAW TEXTILES is known for his East/West textile bedding designs however his brand also carries great accessories that are sustainable and that included the Recycle Robshaw Collection Limited edition products that are created from repurposed and excess fabric with the goal of reducing textile waste. Stay on the safe side and avoid getting any cranberry sauce on your new holiday threads. This kitchen set, which includes an oven mitt, potholder, and apron, will keep you stylish as you cook for people you may or may not be related to.
AFTER MARCH is a project for advocating awareness of unfair practices of the fashion industry. These unique, one-of-a-kind pieces are haute couture up cycled. Mini Me partner look! Made to order. 100% cotton. as ever, high-quality vintage shirts: why preclude the kids from having fun too?
URBAN MONK LINE line began as an all-purpose gentlemen's balm for hair, beards, hands, and body. Created by Leo Funderburk, it is 100% natural, using pure essential oils, and artisan-crafted in New York. Not only do they use the best ingredients, waste is minimized in the making process for a healthier environment. Urban Monk Balm has expanded their holistic and clean approach to other self-care products and home goods. Shop a full line of exquisitely scented candles, essential oils, perfumes and other products, and feel good about the sustainable way they approach business, the environment, community and personhood.
New York
KEMPTON & CO. is a heritage brand founded by Fiona Kempton who was inspired by her equestrian and sailing background. She designs bags with gorgeous soft leathers and textiles, combining the utility of equestrian hardware. She prides herself in always maintaining an artistic approach to function; it is a philosophy that the company strives to maintain with every bag. The Old English Collection is made of oiled saddle leather and adorned with our signature handcrafted reclaimed bone & horn toggles.
THE HAT SHOP. Watching “Emily in Paris” inspired this pick for a bucket hat done right. Founded by milliner Linda Pagan, The Hat Shop combines the wide selection found in department stores with the custom service of a millinery shop. The shop's collection features its own label as well as the work of up to 15 local milliners.
THE ALCHEMIST KITCHEN is dedicated to connecting you with the power of plants. They work with the finest herbalists who are producing high quality botanical medicines, herbal remedies, and whole plant beauty products. These organic and breathable cotton face masks are designed with two layers of cotton, and useful cotton ribbing for adjustable sizing. Each Mask is naturally dyed with Madder Root. This ancient and abundant perennial dye and its roots have been used for thousands of years to produce beautiful red hues. Each mask is hand-sewn. There are three colors and stock is very limited.
ARIANA BOHLING is a Brooklyn based handmade shoe brand. Ariana began making shoes in her studio in Brooklyn beginning with delicately braided Italian leather sandals. Since then she and business partner Alyson Kurtz have expanded production to Peru and Asia in order to maintain quality handmade products produced by local artisans in small workshops. Ariana Bohling believes in fair trade practices that provide good working conditions & livable wages in order to promote sustainability of the artisans, their industry, and the art of handcrafting shoes. To ensure quality standards & working conditions Ariana and Alyson spend time in Peru and Asia to oversee the production and development process of the collection each season. All shoes are handcrafted from 100% leather and all components are sourced locally. All slippers use elements of Alpaca fiber or pelts which are sustainably sourced and cruelty-free. The Percy Winter Boot Smoothis a leather boot that hits just below the calf. Super soft faux fur lining, inside zip. 3" heel with 1.5" Platform height. Leather stack heel and treaded rubber platform for extra grip in winter weather. Rubber Sole. Fits true to size.
FUEGUIA was founded in 2010 in Buenos Aires by Julian Bedel, Fueguia 1833 is a unique concept in the universe of the worldwide perfumery. The source of inspiration is Argentina, the land being an inexhaustible source of stimuli for creating new fragrances, and the brand being a personal tribute to the history, art, music, and nature that distinguish the vibrant culture of South America. Fueguia BioActive Molecules. Incorporates four types of disinfection into one product working synergically. Stabilized Chlorine dioxide (CIO2), a safe compound known for it's effectives in deactivating SARS-Coronavirus, Antrax, Influenza, Hepatitis B, etc. combined with 45 medicinal plants with a proven biocide effect, 70% organic ethanol and a surfactant (soap) that acts breaking the virus lipid bilayer. We will donate part of our monthly production to the Milano area hospitals. Available in 100ml in our Biophotonic glass bottles.
(Please check to see if store is not temporarily closed due to lockdown)
DUKE OF UKE is one of the premier shops around the world dedicated solely to the ukulele. Kala Ukadelic Flamingo Soprano Ukulele is a compact, friendly ukulele made from painted laminated poplar wood, with a bright, cheery sound. Featuring a smooth feeling matte finish, the KalaUK-FLAMINGO has a pine neck with laurel fingerboard and comes with Aquila Super Nylgut Strings. Every Ukadelic ukulele comes with it's own convenient Kala logo drawstring bag. Located in London.
ISLE OF MULL SOAP CO. is a family owned bath and body brand that specializes in featuring soaps made with ingredients local to the Hebrides. Besides soaps they also make candles and bath bombs. Can you get any more in the Christmas spirit with a Frankincense and Myrrh Bath Bomb? The shop is located on the Isle of Mull, in the inner Hebrides isle off Scotland.
JOHN FOWLER is a charming antique shop that also offers interior design services. It’s a dream item but we are featuring an early 18th century Italian bed tester covered in blue-braided yellow linen with agave finials, the replacement head curtains and base valance with original braid re-applied. New hand-made mattress and bed base.
MONDELIANNI is an Italian independent eyewear brand with stores around Rome that also feature artisan brands made in Italy. The Woody eyewear is part of the The Rigadritto Collection which is characterized by classic shapes revisited in a minimal key and basic colors of white, gold and black. The essence of shapes and design pays homage to great icons of international cinema.
MELODIES GRAPHIQUES is a store renowned for its fine paper and stationery boutiques, It is an especially charming spot to browse its exquisite range of paper, notebooks, greeting cards, bookmarks, sealing wax, ink and calligraphy pens. Owner-calligraphist Eric de Tugny is also an entomologist and sells his intricate insect illustrations in store. This store is located in Paris.
We are excited this very turbulent year to cite these brands for their mastery of craftsmanship, sustainability, what they contribute to the local economy and the stories of how they came to be. Now more than ever is the time to shop local and shop in a responsible manner for the holidays so that these brands may long flourish into the future.
By Natalie Rivera
artisans, fashion, fashion blog, gifts, New York City, shopping, shopping guide, sustainable fashion, sustainable shopping, The Local Artisan Guide
With Christmas around the corner The Local Artisan Guide is excited to bring some awareness to fashion brands that offer exquisite sweaters made in a sustainable manner. Some of these brands are well known, some less known but all offer quality, stylish knitwear created with eco-friendly, Fair Trade and sustainability in mind. If you are making an effort to be a conscious shopper the following brands are sure to check all your holiday gift giving needs.
Eileen Fisher
Eileen Fisher is a brand that has been around for a while and has been in the forefront of creating a mass sustainable brand utilizing recycled cashmere made with yarn respun from fine Italian fabrics. The yarn meets the Global Recycle Standard and is truly sustainable.
NAADAM
NAADAM goes straight to the source of the best cashmere, Mongolia’s Gobi Desert, and works directly with herders and their goats to bring you high quality, sustainable and unbelievably soft knitwear at the world’s fairest prices.
Everlane
Everlane offers minimal, stylish sweaters made from recycled cashmere (which they call ReCashmere) and recycled polyester (ReNew Fleece). All at an affordable price point.
Lingua Franca
Lingua Franca is a new brand that offers a line of sustainably-sourced, fair trade luxury cashmere sweaters, all hand-stitched by women in NYC.
Reformation
Reformation is an eco fashion label with knitwear made from earth-friendly materials like recycled cashmere and alpaca wool.
Cashmere need not be such an out of reach gift again at the price points the above brands offer especially when the brands are sustainable and eco-friendly. Don’t forget to get some cashmere for yourself while you are at it!
By Natalie Rivera
Accessories, artisans, fashion, fashion blog, gifts, hostess gifts, jewelry, kids toy stores, perfume, shopping, shopping guide, sustainable fashion, sustainable shopping, toys, Scotland, Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Souvenir shopping, The Local Artisan Guide, locally produced, handmade, art
Recently whilst on holiday in the Scottish Isles, besides admiring the spectacular beauty of Scotland and the Inner Hebrides, The Local Artisan Guide was lucky enough to stumble (okay we took a ferry to the Island of Mull) upon the town of Tobermory.
The picturesque town of Tobermory on the Isle of Mull, Scotland.
Tobermory is a picturesque town on the Island of Mull (part of the Inner Hebrides) with colorful houses, restaurants and shops lined up on a marina with rolling green hills and trees all apart of an incredible vista. Tobermory Bay was originally a fishing port that has since become home to small businesses, restaurants, small hotels and artisanal shops that offer a range in products including; jewelry, chocolates, soap, pottery, cheese, leather goods, a distiller, art, local fashion, stationary, baked goods and more.
As you get off the ferry you follow the crescent shape road known as Main Street around the marina with multicolor buildings dotting the landscape. While walking down the street and entering the various shops one observes that many of the shops not only carry local products but many of the products are produced in the shop itself. There are also many products made from local artisans near by on the island.
After exploring Main Street here are some of the highlights in Tobermory:
An Camus
Slightly off Main Street as soon as you depart the ferry you will come upon the studio and shop of An Camus where Stuart and Helen Orr can be seen working on their glass products, knick-knacks and stationary.
The workshop of An Camus is located in the shop itself where you see many items in the process of being made.
An Camus offers many representations of the sea and wildlife.
Its typical to see Stuart and Helen hard at work creating their wares.
A small example of An Camus’s beautiful glassware.
Isle of Mull Soap Co.
Isle of Mull Soap Co. is a quaint soap shop founded by husband and wife team Stu and Sophie who create soap inspired by the culture of Scotland and all the many natural and native ingredients you can only find in the Scottish Isles. Soaps, soap bombs, candles, bath and body, gifts and accessories can be found in this shop along with beautiful packaging and always a friendly welcome.
Isle of Mull Soap Co. has a large selection of soap and bath products.
With such scents as Hot Toddy, Cinnamon & Citrus and Rose & Patchouli, shopping here makes for great souvenirs.
Isle of Mull Soap Co. also offers bath bombs, bath and body and great gifts to remind you of your stay in Tobermory.
The visitor center for Tobermory Distillery.
Tobermory Distillery, where the magic happens.
Established in 1798, Tobermory Distillery is the only distillery on the Island of Mull and one of the oldest commercial distilleries in Scotland. The distillery is unique not only because of its picturesque location but because they offer not one but two distinctive single malts.
The shop in the visitor center of the distillery offers their entire selection of scotch and whiskey.
There is even a formal tasting room that you can make an appointment to experience.
Tobermory Distillery offers more than just whiskey at the visitor center. Here you can purchase, hats, t-shirts and even soap made with whiskey!
Is there such a thing as a “wee dram”? We think not, especially after you taste their whiskeys.
Is it a Laundry or a store? It’s both and both are well done.
The Laundry is a laundry service with a twist. The twist being that The Laundry is also a boutique that offers products made from local artisans from the Isle of Mull which include fashion, handbags, gifts, candles, bedding and more.
The Laundry offers a selection of fashion, accessories and gifts made on the Isle of Mull. Oh and exceptional laundry services too.
The Laundry offers bedding, which comes in handy for all the Airbnb’s on the island.
Handbags made from local leathers are one of the key products you will find in The Laundry.
You can’t miss Isle of Mull Silver & Goldsmith’s cobalt blue storefront on Main Street.
Founded in 1975 by Phil Campbell, Isle of Mull Silver & Goldsmiths provides jewelry made by local designers and features Scottish jewelry which includes quaichs, kilt pins, cufflinks, silver spoons and more traditional and contemporary designs.
Jewelry to wear for your kilts to represent your clans is a feature at the Isle of Mull Silversmith & Goldsmiths.
The shop also offers a wide selection of traditional silver spoons.
There is also a wide selection of traditional and contemporary jewelry designs made from local artisans.
Island Blue Tobermory is great place to shop for children’s gifts and art from local residents.
Photographer Martin Guppy founded Island Blue which includes art from local artists, toys, skincare, candles, scarves, mugs and more.
Colorful mugs and coasters have imagery of the local sea and wildlife.
Many scents made from local ingredients are displayed in the store.
Island Blue Tobermory offers a fun, eclectic array of souvenirs from Tobermory.
Wood carvings of bird life and mugs of local cattle are a favorite at the store.
The welcoming storefront of Mull Pottery.
Mull Pottery was established over 25 years ago using their own recipe for clay ceramics. The shop also offers pottery made by skilled craftspeople including the popular and stunningly beautiful Iona Range. All pieces are handmade, making each piece unique.
The selection of mugs with abstract vistas is a popular sell at Mull Pottery.
Sea and wildlife imagery is a great choice for souvenir gift giving.
The incredibly beautiful (and affordable) Iona Range ceramics make Mull Pottery an amazing stop on your trip to Tobermory.
The sea-green shop of Island Crafts.
Island Crafts Tobermory offers a wide selection of work predominately from artists living and working or with connections with the Isle of Mull. They sell walking sticks, books, jewelry, stationary, antlers, gifts and more.
Island Crafts offer a unique selection of walking sticks made locally for that favorite of all activities in the Hebrides, walking the hills.
Beautiful home decor objects made from shells and pairing knives made with natural materials are show stoppers at Island Craft.
Island Craft also offers accessories, throws and caps made from wool from local sheep that help keep crafts alive and well in Tobermory.
Just look for the chocolate colored building for Tobermory Handmade Chocolate.
Founded in 1991 by husband and wife team Keith and Rhoda, Tobermory Handmade Chocolate offers artisan handmade chocolate with a variety of flavors native to Scotland and the Scottish Isles along with more traditional chocolates. There is also a cozy cafe and well stocked gift shop that offers more than local chocolates to take home.
The shop at Tobermory Handmade Chocolate offers an array of gift giving besides chocolate.
Lots of home decor items available at the shop.
Besides being able to buy their chocolates, there is a cozy cafe to settle in and taste and drink all Tobermory Handmade Chocolate has to offer.
Walking down Main Street in Tobermory will have you experiencing more than artisanal shops. There is a multitude of restaurants, bars, churches and more to explore. Then when you are done exploring Tobermory, feel free to travel throughout the Isle of Mull and find even more local artisans honing crafts passed down to them from generations of living in the Scottish Isles.
Can’t miss The Tobermory Hotel in all its pink glory!
Arnos Hall is community owned facility that hosts events and markets all year round.
This former Gothic church is now home to a gallery for local souvenirs and a popular cafe for both locals and visitors alike.
It is easy to understand how these vistas inspired so many beautiful depictions in the souvenir shops in Tobermory.
By Natalie Rivera
Accessories, artisans, fashion, fashion blog, Father's Day, Father's Day gifts, gifts, New York City, perfume, shoes, shopping, sustainable fashion, sustainable shopping, vintage watches
Finding a gift for dear old dad on Father’s Day can either be spectacularly easy when you have a father that doesn’t have discriminating taste (a run of the mill tie, some Old Karate, a knitted vest). Or maybe you have an extraordinary father who appreciates the finer things in life, or you want to introduce your father to some of your marvelous finds. If its the latter then this blog is for you.
The Local Artisan Guide recommends the following for distinctive Father’s Day gifts that he will appreciate you went to all the effort for.
D.S. & Durga is a fragrance brand that specializes in scents that recreate experiences. Many of the scents are unisex in nature, however for Father’s Day, “Burning Barbershop” is the perfect scent for dad. The description of Burning Barbershop is as follows: A fire broke out in the Curling Bros. barbershop in Westlake, N.Y. in 1891. All the shaving tonics with their spearmint, lime, vanilla and lavender burned. A charred bottle was found half-full. It smelled like this.
Australian motorcycle brand, Deus Ex Machina, created this trucker hat designed specifically for the dads that want the most out of the warm weather ahead—a cushioned crown, meshed back, and quick-drying design keeps blocks out the sun, keeps ya cool, and looks great in the process.
How stylish and comfortable will your dad be when he slips into his C’H’C’M’ Yogi Elijah Negative Heel Boot. This very affordable suede boot is made in Portugal using the finest suede leathers in Europe.
St. Frank is a home decor brand that features home accessories made from artisans around the world. This St. Frank iPhone case depicts a vintage Kuba cloth from the Republic of Congo, a unique textile featuring complex designs that are created when various geometric raffia pieces are stitched to a plain raffia background. The resulting rough surface is punctuated by repeated geometric patterns with unexpected interruptions in design. Men cultivate the raffia palm and weave the raffia cloth; women then create the patterned textiles. Traditionally, Kuba cloth was used as a wrapped skirt worn during burials. Later, it was incorporated in ceremonial dress for ritual dances and other celebrations.
Rowing Blazers, the brand that focuses on rediscovering and reinventing preppie also offers collections of vintage watches. Here is the Rolex Day-Date reference 1803 dates to circa 1967 and includes its chronometer certificate (a.k.a. "COSC papers") and an extremely rare "The Day-Date" promotional booklet. The dial is beautifully preserved and the case is crisp and full. Wind Vintage purchased this watch from Heritage Auctions in April for $8,437.50, just so there is full transparency on its origin and what was paid. It is understood that the consignor to the auction was the original owner. This watch is currently on view at the Rowing Blazers Clubhouse at 161 Grand Street in New York City. Curated by Wind Vintage.
Nomad Tribe, the sustainable clothing brand has the perfect Father’s Day gifts for the “Woke” dad, here is the Mutuba Organic PlayNomad Shirt, their softest polo yet. Did you notice the musical prints and the 2-tone buttons? (Have another look. Perfect for on the run or the golf course, easily paired with khaki pants, shorts or jeans.
Our picks range from high luxury to extremely affordable and should make dads of all ages pleased you put so much time and attention show them how much you appreciated them being your dad.
Click onto the captions for more product information.
Happy Father’s Day!
By Natalie Rivera
Accessories, children, fashion, fashion blog, gifts, jewelry, kids toy stores, lingerie, New York City, perfume, shoes, shopping, shopping guide, sustainable fashion, sustainable shopping
Recently Hudson Yards, a complex that includes residences, offices, shops, restaurants and cultural institutions all encased among innovative architecture (innovative for NYC) has opened up to the general public.
The Local Artisan Guide feels its important for you to have information at your hand for shopping destinations whether its on a charming small dead end street or a multilevel complex. Hudson Yards is certainly the latter.
Located at West 34th Street and 11th Ave. (you can take the #7 train to Hudson Yards directly or a crosstown bus), Hudson Yards is where the MTA has housed subway cars for decades (still does). After exiting the highly stylized new subway station, you encounter a complex of new, cutting edge buildings that include residences, the Equinox Hotel, and a very upscale mall for New York City.
Hudson Yards include a complex of residences, office buildings, shops and The Equinox Hotel.
There is a structure outside the shops that looks like the skeletal system of a bug or artichoke called “The Vessel”. It is a piece that you can enter and explore from the inside (much like the Statue of Liberty). To enter you need to go onto Hudson Yards’s website www.hudsonyardsnewyork.com and reserve a time and day to enter the sculpture (its free).
In the center of Hudson Yards you will encounter The Vessel, a sculpture you are allowed to enter and explore (tickets available for free online).
After exploring The Vessel you can head straight to the shops across the way. The main store here is department store Neiman Marcus. Neiman Marcus has never been situated in NYC (except for Neiman Marcus Last Call in Brooklyn) so in a city that has been losing iconic department stores for the last few years (Lord & Taylor, Henri Bendel’s etc.) it is nice to have one that has a long reputable establish itself here. Neiman Marcus presents itself in a minimal way, there is no or little clutter. They offer a strongly curated assortment of established and emerging designers in its store.
Neiman Marcus is the dominant department store at Hudson Yards, located on the third floor.
A view of The Vessel and the trains lined up in at Hudson Yards from the interior.
What is interesting in the consortium of stores in the Hudson Yards is its range. Here you can find high end brands such as Christian Dior and Cartier’s, to mid range brands like Kate Spade and Tori Burch all the way to H&M and Zara. All presented much like the high end malls you see in Hong Kong, Singapore and Dubai. Downtown in the financial district you have a similar collection of stores in Battery Park City with high end brands, grand architecture, restaurants, hotels and residences all flowing into each other, yet at Hudson Yards there is a difference as the selection of stores at Hudson Yards has a curated feel to it. Besides the brands mentioned there are also more independent brands that you would find by strolling down the streets of Soho but you wouldn’t find their presence in American malls. These brands include Scanlan Theodore, M.Gemi and Hatch to name a few.
Fendi is one the high end stores you will find at Hudson Yards amongst others.
Zara and H&M are some of the affordable stores you will find at Hudson Yards.
Scanlan Theodore is one of the many independent brands that have opened in Hudson Yards.
Also unlike the malls in Asia or in Battery Park City, Hudson Yards strives to have something for everybody as shopping and eating there runs the gamut of all price ranges. You can find both high end restaurants and more affordable eating, like Shake Shack at Hudson Yards.
Hudson Yards offers besides shops, multiple places of all price points to dine. Shake Shack is amongst food choices at Hudson Yards.
Many of the shops have still yet to open at the Hudson yards. The experience of shopping at Hudson Yards is similar to the World Trade Center instead there the art structure is part of the interior shopping experience and in Hudson Yards its on the exterior of the building. Hudson Yards incorporates art installations throughout the interior and exterior of the complex making for a cultural experience too.
Hudson Yards included art throughout the entire complex.
Hudson Yards is bound to be a popular place to visit in the future, especially if you live there or are staying in Midtown when visiting NYC. It is definitely worth a visit.
By Natalie Rivera
artisans, Accessories, fashion, fashion blog, jewelry, New York City, perfume, shoes, shopping, shopping guide, sustainable fashion, sustainable shopping, love bleecker, bleecker street
In the summer of 2017 The Local Artisan Guide wrote a blog on the sad state of Bleecker Street. With its high rate of empty store fronts, Bleecker Street was starting to look more and more like a street in the mid-west rust belt. Retailers both local and national were abandoning their shops due to astronomical rent increases while landlords were fine with waiting out for tenants that could afford high rents. A few national beauty brands were moving in such as Aesop and The Organic Pharmacy, but in general walking down Bleecker Street seemed quite bleak.
Fast forward to early 2019 where walking down Bleecker Street is now a more positive experience. Rents have started to come down however there are still multiple shops that are empty. Unfortunately stores are still closing (Sunni Spencer just shut down) but a few new brands are opening up under the revitalization project “Love, Bleecker.”
Still many empty storefronts dot Bleecker Street.
“Love, Bleecker” is a collaboration between Skylight and Brookfield Properties, created to breathe back some life into Bleecker Street. “Love, Bleecker” has acquired four storefronts to introduce four online brands who never had a brick and mortar presence. The four brands are couture retailers Prabal Gurung, men’s leather good brand Slightly Alabama, cashmere brand Lingua Franca and plant based bodega with floral collab Bonberi & Fleurotica.
Along with the storefronts “Love, Bleecker” will also introduce art installations, music and more interactive community events in collaboration with the shops.
#lovebleecker
“Love, Bleecker” paired each shop with an artist to have fashion and art play off each other. For Slightly Alabama they paired artist Chelsea Hryrick Browne, who created an installation of intricately hand-cut paper designs that will be displayed in the shop’s windows for 6 months. Her designs, which are layers of hand-cut paper create the illusion of an abstract painting.
Slightly Alabama and artist Chelsea Hrynick Browne collaboration.
Prabal Gurung was paired with Edward Ross who crafted a glass sculptural lighting installation which will live in the space for the year.
Prabal Gurung and Edward Ross collaboration.
Lingua Franca was partnered with artist Ashley Longshore who made a very colorful and glittery painting of Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Lingua Franca and Ashley Longshore collaboration.
Bonberi & Fleurotica have been paired with Signe Pierce who created floral and neon illuminated sculptures.
Bonberi & Fleurotica collaboration with Signe Pierce.
Besides “Love, Bleecker” there have been multiple store openings of brands that have not had brick and mortar stores including; TDE (The Daily Edit), Kilona, St.Frank, Naadam, Margaux, Hill House Home and gold no.8 to name a few. Some pop up shops have opened up indefinitely such as Netluxe, The Citizenry Bunkhouse, Buckberry, Quaker Marine Supply and Greyers. Other more established brands have opened up new locations on Bleecker Street, which include Faherty, Buck Mason, Jay Kos and Marine Layer making Bleecker Street an up and coming men’s fashion destination.
Welcome to Bleecker Street! New brands are popping up along the way.
So in the end, just walk down Bleecker Street, enjoy the new brands, art and events and remember at the end of the road there is thankfully Magnolia Bakery.
By Natalie Rivera
artisans, fashion, fashion blog, gifts, love, shoes, shopping, shopping guide, sustainable fashion, sustainable shopping, Father's Day gifts, Father's Day, Accessories
For Father's Day The Local Artisan Guide is here to help you shop more sustainably for Father's Day gifts. Whether you are shopping for an older father/father figure or a new dad, The Local Artisan Guide has gathered some impressive sustainable AND stylish gifts to give to your father in all prices points from high end to extremely affordable.
NOAH WAXMAN
Noah Waxman began his first collection with a few styles built by hand in America. Now the Handmade in USA collection celebrates the best in American boot-making. The USA boots blend a rugged Americana vibe with modern lines and unexpected colors and textures. The leathers represent some of the best in America, from locally sourced skins like Chromexcel and Shell Cordovan from Chicago's Horween tannery to American Bison. All USA boots are Goodyear welted for exceptional performance in all weather and years and years of life. This is the classic American work boot, taken to new heights. The Hudson is a cap-toe lace-up boot that will last ages. Chicago-tanned Horween leather with a distinctive butt seam on the toe makes the Hudson boot stand out from the crowd. $595
ECOALF
Ecoalf is a retail brand that uses recycled and ecofriendly resources for their products. Their Briefcase isn an ultra-light bag perfect for your gym days, weekend trips or your day-to-day routine, thanks to its wide capacity. Equipped with hand and shoulder handle for maximum adaptability. It is made of 70% polyester and 30% recycled PES from plastic bottles. $168
WeWood
Helios is the new minimalist WeWOOD model with steel case and Flex-wood strap: The most recent eco-friendly WeWOOD solution has been created for those who understand the importance of substituting leather with alternative and more ethical materials without compromising luxury and beauty. Canvas and wood thin layers are combined with the finest horizontal laser engraving to reach the best flexibility. Made in Italy. $119.95
ALLBIRDS
Allbirds, the eco-friendly shoe brand has created a lounger with soft comfort in a smart silhouette that makes every experience a little more leisurely and a lot more cozy. The upper and the insole are made from superfine New Zealand Merino wool, the bottom is a lightweight dense foam that make this a perfect indoor and outdoor shoe. The wool makes is so comfortable you will not need socks and it helps minimize odor. $95
EVERLANE
Everlane, one of the most sustainable and transparent retail companies around has a great father's day gift for you, a softer cotton shirt. This cotton poplin shirt is lightweight and smooth, but gets a special garment-dyed treatment for a more lived-in feel and coloration. Great for when crisp and formal just isn’t what you want. Free shipping with first order! $48
PATAGONIA
The Small Text Logo LoPro Trucker Hat features a traditional, structured front ball-cap fit in a trucker setup: organic cotton bill and crown; polyester mesh back for increased ventilation. The six-panel design with front stitching, lower front-crown profile and pliable, precurved bill provide all-day comfort. Snaps in back make sure you’re well-adjusted. Patagonia is the leader in eco-friendly and sustainable retail fashion. $29
MUJI
The name "MUJI" is derived from the Japanese phrase "Mujirushi Ryohin," meaning "No Brand Goods." The resulting products are streamlined, environmentally friendly and beautiful in their simplicity. Over the last 20 years, MUJI has developed a worldwide following with a guiding philosophy that emphasizes innovative and simple materials, processes and packaging. Work manufactured by the company is featured in MoMA's collection. The MUJI Notebook Set includes five ruled notebooks, each with a different colored spine. 30 sheets per notebook. $3.50
So there you have seven great sustainable Father's Day selections in all categories and price points. Whether you are teaching your father about sustainability or he's all on board and happy that you are thinking the same way, sustainable gifts are not only thoughtful, responsible and eco-friendly, they are likely to last much longer and mean more to him with time.
Don't forget, shopping around your neighborhood for local artisans is also a great way to get conscious gifts for your father.
In the end a good father will love to have quality time spent with their children. If you can't be there with him this Father's Day and perhaps your dad is not ready for sustainable gifts, a donation in a charity he is passionate about is also a great gift. If your dad was an awful dad, may I recommend sending him a donation in his name to YOUR favorite charity. WIN/WIN!
As for me I will be giving my dad Yankee paraphernalia as any time I try to give him a thoughtful gift it goes right into the magical armoire where I never see his precious items again. Maybe one day the Yankees will be a sustainable sports brand on their own? One can only dream...
Happy Father's Day
By Natalie Rivera
artisans, fashion, fashion blog, gifts, hostess gifts, New York City, shoes, shopping, shopping guide, sustainable fashion, sustainable shopping
It's here, Black Friday. That day of the year that jump starts holiday shopping with cut throat sales on brands across the board.
Whether you plan to shop at a Brick and Mortar shop or go online, The Local Artisan Guide has made some suggestions to highlight some of the many brands that now focus on ethical and sustainable products that you should know about.
BRACKISH BOW TIES is a Bow Tie brand made in Charleston, SC. No dyes are used, giving each tie a unique coloring. The feathers are all-natural and sustainably sourced. Each tie arrives in a hand-branded, pine gift box. including a list of the feathers used and instructions on how to care for your tie. www.brackishbowties.com
ROTHY'S is a San Francisco brand that created a women’s flat with low-waste, low-impact materials, hand-assembled for high quality and durability. The flats fit true-to-size and have a removable insole and 3D knit upper for seamless comfort. Machine-washable in cold, gentle cycle; air dry only. When you finally are ready to replace them simply send them to their Rothy’s recycling facility and help close the loop in making our planet a better place. www.rothys.com
ANITA DONGRE GRASSROOT is a sustainable luxury brand born to revive, sustain and empower India's crafts and artisans. The brand translates village art into design for the globetrotting woman, and showcase the handcrafted traditions of India in contemporary tales. Grassroot works with rural artisans to create local employment opportunities, empowering every village to become a self-sustaining unit. www.anitadongregrassroot.com
PATENT OF THE HEART is a handbag and small leather goods brand made in Turkey. Designer Elif Akaydin has artisans create her sophisticated collection made with the finest European leathers and materials. Patent of Heart assures you every bag purchased is not only made with high-quality craftsmanship, but with a strong sense of functionality and style. A portion of profits helps contribute to worthy cause especially helpings young girls attain an education. www.patentoftheheart.com
JOE GROOMING was established in 2002 with a goal to create a natural and organic line of hair products formulated to meet their core objective. By lowering surfactant levels in their shampoos, adding soothing, moisturizing extracts to both cleansing and styling products, and fragrancing with essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances, they have taken the first steps toward achieving this goal. Extra benefit is for every order of a Joe Grooming product, they donate a bar of Joe Grooming soap to a resident of homeless shelters across the USA. www.joegrooming.biz
EDUN is a sustainable high end fashion apparel and accessories brand that makes all its products in Africa from artisans using fair trade methods and guidelines. www.edun.com
APOLIS is a fashion lifestyle brand founded on the simple idea that people can live better lives when they are given equal access to the global marketplace. Apolis is a socially motivated lifestyle brand that empowers communities worldwide. www.apolisglobal.com
Black Friday doesn't have to be a consumer nightmare, it can be a practice in conscious shopping. Don't forget to check out your local brick and mortar shops for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, you'll be amazed at the wonderful Black Friday sales and products you will find.
By Natalie Rivera
fashion, fashion blog, shoes, shopping, shopping guide, sustainable fashion, sustainable shopping
With Trump announcing to the world that he is pulling the United States out of the Paris Climate Agreement, an immediate reaction reverberated around the globe of disbelief and incredulity that the United States who has for decades been on the forefront of innovation, science and industry has abandoned its leadership role due to the politics of a man trolling the planet.
Some people just want to set the world on fire (with polluted coal).
Luckily the vast majority of countries (and to the contrary the United States) are not dying dinosaurs and have a desire to be on the path to sustainability knowing that it is the future. Cities, governments, corporations, farmers, communities and small businesses have been finding ways to make our future more sustainable and eco-friendly and will continue to do so regardless of Trump’s proclamations.
There are some large retailers known for their eco-friendly stance such as Patagonia, Burton’s and Eileen Fisher. Adidas and Stella McCartney just announced they were debuting collections made from recyclable plastics from the ocean, however there are many smaller and lesser known brands built on their dedication to sustainable fashion. Being aware and shopping these brands will help the planet so The Local Artisan Guide is highlighting four brands in the fashion world that go above and beyond for sustainability and accountability while also creating a stylish, well made product.
Rothy’s is a footwear brand that creates stylish, sustainable flats for women out of recyclable water bottles. Rothy’s has figured out how recycled plastic water bottles can be transformed into a comfortable knitted shoe that fits like a glove and is soft like a sock. Founded by Stephen Hawthornewaite and Roth Martin (two industry outsiders) and based in San Francisco, their goals was to "Create an alternative, versatile shoe: one with the ease of a sneaker but with the polish of a feminine flat. And do it with low-waste, low-impact materials, hand-assembled for high quality and durability.”
Rothy's
Rothy’s shoes are almost like glorified socks as you can wear them, walk in them, spend all day in them then throw your Rothy's in the wash (cold water, gentle cycle, gentle detergent), and let them air dry. They come in an array of colors, patterns and toe shapes (only flats though) and share such qualities as: recyclable, an earth friendly carbon free rubber soul, recycled water bottle construction, washable quick dry technology, flexible sole and upper, blister-free seamless knit, lightweight all day wearability, moisture wicking all weather comfort, reusable packaging plus when you feel they are at the end of their wear you can send them back to Rothy’s to be recycled at their recycling facility.
Rothy's
Rothy’s basically seek to make a comfortable product with the least amount of carbon footprint possible yet still be fashionable and stylish with the feel of luxury.
Rothy's
The name of this vegan brand from Montreal may sound like two friends named Matthew and Natalie (or Nathaniel) getting together and deciding to start a sustainable footwear and handbag brand (that’s what I thought). However Matt & Nat stands for MAT(T)erial and NATure meaning to explore the synergy between the two, the reflection of one on the other.
Matt & Nat
Established in 1995, Matt and Nat was created with the idea from the start to not use leather or any other animal-based materials or products in their designs. With every passing year they have continued to explore new innovative ways to remain sustainable and eco-friendly. This includes experimenting with different recycled materials such as recycled nylons, cardboard, rubber and cork. Since 2007, they have been committed to using linings only made out of 100% recycled plastic bottles. Matt & Nat have also recently introduced recycled bicycle tires to their collections.
Matt & Nat
Matt & Nat have also adopted a very eco-friendly production and work environment. Their factories operates by the SA8000 standard and their goals are to make this standard a bigger part of their production going forward. The factories are socially compliant and the brand makes an effort to keep to PU (polyurethane) instead of PVC as PVC is much more harmful to the environment. Not only are Matt & Nat's customers getting the cutting edge of ethical and eco-friendly fashion. Their materials are consistently improved and updated with composites that are less harmful for flora and fauna.
Matt & Nat
At the office in Montreal, Canada they have made it a ‘cruelty free’ zone with monthly staff celebrations of vegetarian potlucks and vegan cupcakes. They encourage community volunteering for their employees and would like you to upcycle any Matt & Nat product when possible.
However the most impressive feat that Matt & Nat offer is their design aesthetic which will have you not missing leather goods at all. The brand offers handbags, footwear, wallets, small vegan goods and men’s bags. They manage to cover all the latest styles, trends, colors all while putting out their own unique form.
ECOALF is an outerwear lifestyle brand for men and women founded by Javier Goyeneche in 2012 after years of frustration with witnessing the excessive use of the planet’s natural resources and the amount of waste produced by industries around the world.
ECOALF
Absolved to create a fashion brand that is truly sustainable ECOALF states “Our goal is to create the first generation of recycled products with the same quality, design and technical properties as the best non-recycled products. That way we show there is no need to use our world’s natural resources in a careless way”.
ECOALF uses a few key materials while producing their products: recycled water bottles are crushed into plastic flakes which then are processed and spun into a rough polyester and then fashioned into a yarn for the fabrics, straps, laces, etc. ECOALF has used up to 70 million recycled water bottles in their production thus far.
ECOALF
Recycled cottons and recycled wools save water as 1kg of convention cotton needs 2500 liters of water. ECOALF uses the recycled cottons and wools in their outerwear, accessories and knits.
ECOALF also uses recycled fishing nets which are transformed into a fiber used for the swimwear. Used tires are compressed into a material for flip flops, and used coffee grinds are spun into a thread that produces a water repellant fabric used for jackets.
Their store is not only designed to maintain sustainable eco-friendly standards but stands as a place for the community to meet for conferences, exhibitions, screenings, etc. all within ECOALF philosophy.
ECOALF's Madrid store.
ECOALF also has started a foundation, The ECOALF Foundation is a non-profit organization whose primary goal is to promote the selective recovery, recycling and revaluing of waste in order to prevent its adverse impact on the environment. This is achieved through the development and application of new scientific and technological advancements – especially with regard to plastic waste products that are found in the marine environment.
For all that ECOALF strives to provide as a sustainable fashion brand, they know if you design outerwear, apparel, bags, shoes, swimwear and flip-flops that its all a waste of time and materials if you produce a product no one finds stylish enough to wear. ECOALF proves you do not have to have a hippie sensibility for sustainable fashion as they create cutting edge fashion with an aesthetic that leans to minimal chic and fashion forward. The brand is growing and starting to do projects outside of Madrid however their online store means ECOALF is available worldwide for those looking to expand their sustainable fashion closet.
The Bottletop Fashion Company is a handbag and accessories brand that sprung from the Bottletop Foundation which was founded by Cameron Saul and his father Roger (Founder of British luxury fashion brand Mulberry) through a design collaboration with Mulberry. From the foundation came a handbag made from recycled bottle tops in Africa that was lined with Mulberry leather in Europe. The bag created a lot of buzz and generated local employment and raising funds for grass roots education projects in Africa.
Bottletop
This bag was followed by another bag designed by Bottletop’s Co-Director Oliver Wayman who discovered the "Bellani", a stunning silver chain mail bag with a distinctly 1970’s feel in Brazil. With the lightweight material, the bag consisted of upcycled aluminium ring pulls held together by crotchet. The bag is made by artisans in Brazil and has lead to the Bottletop Fashion Company being established in 2012 to create a brand that funds the operation of the Bottletop Foundation, which uses contemporary art and music to raise funds and awareness for education projects that tackle delicate teenage health issues such as HIV/AIDS, drug abuse and teenage pregnancy. The Bottletop Foundation supports young people in Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Brazil and the UK.
Bottletop's "Bellani Mini" made from upcycled Aluminum ring pulls.
As a foundation they frequently collaborate with other well known brands such as Narcisco Rodriguez and Idris Khan. The design and quality by Bottletop are a work of art for the craftsman and consumer alike. Their philosophy is “Blending design with technique across cultures, Bottletop creates collections that celebrate true craftsmanship. A timeless ‘created by hand’ aesthetic. The creation of Bottletop products not only enhance the techniques of some of the most highly skilled artisans from around the world but our training programs enable others to join them, supporting themselves and their families in the process”.
One of Bottletop's many artisan workers.
The brand offers handbags, travel bags, backpacks, clutches, accessories, etc. The aesthetic looks and feels luxurious and contemporary even with the aluminum rings pulls. When you chose a Bottletop bag you are not only purchasing a piece of artisan craftsmanship, you are helping the environment by choosing recyclable materials and contributing to a foundation that helps disadvantaged youths with their community and health.
These are four good brands to start your sustainable fashion closet. Larger brands are starting to take notice of the big, innovative ideas these smaller brands are contributing to the world and proving sustainable fashion is not only a real possibility but a stylish option that benefits all.
By Natalie Rivera
artisans, fashion, fashion blog, sustainable fashion
In our modern day, first world society we as a post-industrial population are so removed from the sources of our most basic needs that we have become completely not capable of surviving on our own. In the last few years many documentaries and books have come out detailing where our foods come from and the eye opening often scary journey to our table. Now the same movement is occurring in fashion in which many are shining a light on where and who makes our clothing, shoes and accessories.
#whomademyclothes
As a former production manager for retail fashion, I’ve traveled all over the world visiting the factories where the product I was overseeing was being manufactured. I was fortunate to work for companies that were socially compliant however that did not erase my thoughts on how the lifestyle of the workers half a world away from me went about their six day work week and their day to day life. It usually involved living far from home in small dorms, long days mostly standing on their feet working on machinery, doing tedious, receptive work for low wages, little time off and not much room for growth. It takes a special mindset to do this work and most U.S. citizens would not find this attractive for the same reason why the United States has trouble finding U.S. citizens to harvest our crops (a job usually reserved for migrant workers brave enough to risk getting deported).
Factory workers in China.
When Donald Trump says he will bring back the jobs to the United States, it is already too late for most industries as automation is the future. With fashion it would involved building a new infrastructure, purchasing expensive, complicated machinery, training and keeping a staff that would have to be competitive with the rest of the world and the low cost employment they provide. That shirt you pay $20 for would now be $80. In our fast food culture we have become used to a fast fashion business model for the past decades changing the purchasing patterns of fashion that our parents and grandparents did not have access to.
In honor of the Rana Plaza factory collapse, where 1,138 people were killed and many more injured on 24th April 2013, Fashion Revolutionary Week has been created with the hashtag #whomademyclothes to put a spotlight on the individual life of factory workers around the world and humanize your shopping experience.
Emergency workers rescuing survivors from the Rana Plaza factory collapse April 24th, 2013.
“Who Made My Clothes” encourages people worldwide to demand greater transparency, sustainability and ethics in the fashion supply chain. Fashion Revolution seeks to unite the fashion industry and ignite a revolution to change the way fashion is sourced, produced and purchased so what the world wears has been made in a safe, clean and fair way. More information on this organization can be found at www.fashionrevolution.org.
The Local Artisan Guide has been spotlighting local artisans, independent designers and small brands who provide a “Slow Fashion” experience, meaning they create a product that is meant to last not only your lifetime but hopefully for many generations to come. When you purchase from a local artisan you know who created your items and can rest assured knowing you are not contributing to a sweatshop environment where exploitation, safety issues, child labor and extremely low wages are a part of the factory’s worker daily life.
Artisan block printer working on John Robshaw Textiles.
So next time you are about to purchase an item ask yourself the following questions:
Our society is now dealing with the growing problem of land fills being overrun with clothing that is not decomposing as brands such as H&M, Zara, Gap Inc., etc. are creating products not made well enough to last with synthetic materials and fabrics that do not decompose. These remnants of fast fashion are the new “disposable diapers” of the 21st century and you can help by being a more conscious shopper whether by shopping brands that are more sustainable, upcycling your clothes, shopping for vintage pieces and keeping yourself just as informed as you would for your food. In the end it isn’t only you and factory workers who would benefit from shopping more ethically but everyone else and our planet.
So join us in using the hashtag #whomademyclothes when reviewing brands on social media to help create a safer, transparent and more sustainable environment for all.
By Natalie Rivera
artisans, fashion, fashion blog, New York City, valentines day, shoes, jewelry, lingerie, perfume, love, shopping
Its here! That time of the year when you are highly encouraged to show your bae that you really care about them with greeting cards, chocolates, dinner at an overcrowded, trendy restaurant and a little trinket to seal the deal whilst donning racy lingerie.
We here at The Local Artisan Guide have come up with some gift recommendations for those who want to celebrate this day of love with style and panache. The selection below is available online (click the link) and at their brick & mortar store. We did the legwork and sought out the greeting cards, chocolates, trinkets and sexy lingerie in a range of price points (Goop we are not!). We did leave the restaurant choice to you.
The recommendations are divided into three groups: for her, for him and unisex gifts. All recommendations are highly curated, sure to please, unique and thoughtful because in the end that is what we all seek from a gift from a loved one.
Kempton & Co., Small Leather Pouch, Black, $52
Kempton & Co.'s pouches are great for multiple uses whether its for storing your cosmetics or using the pouch as a clutch for the evening out.
Pierre Hardy Shoes, Memphis Sandal, Mutli Nude, $795
Pierre Hardy Shoes are sexy, au courant and at the same time very lady like.
Maison Close Black Feather Fan, $90
Let me entertain you! Imagine the surprise on your lover's face when you enter into the boudoir with this burlesques feather fan and...well not much else!
Gurhan Jewelry, Amulet Pendant in 24k gold with cabochon ruby. $2,400
If you are going to go all out and give jewelry to your Valentine, think out of the box with this ruby amulet that will make her think of the middle ages, poetry and being serenaded on a balcony.
Le Labo Fragrances, Rose 31, eau du parfum, $175
Le Labo is a special fragrance brand as you can work on creating your own scents, however their Rose 31 scent is the perfect Valentines Day scent as it is reminiscing of walking in a rose garden.
Soapology, Fresh Cut Soap, Chamomile, $8
What a special way to show someone you think they deserve the best without emptying your wallet. The natural ingredients and fresh cut soap is not only good for your skin but makes for a beautiful item to add to a bathroom.
Ernest Alexander, Andy Leather Laptop Brief, Brown, $295
This sleek and handsome leather briefcase not only carries your computer in style, the side pocket can carry an iPad and the inside pockets easily hold a man's iPhone, wallets and pens.
Noah Waxman, Hyde Park, Tobacco, $595
Here is an innovative way to do color block on a man's shoe that looks like it can go from day to evening in style.
goorin bros., Rooster BBL, $30
You don't have to go into credit card debt to give your man a gift that is unique, fun and you know they will use often.
Larsson Jennings, Lugano Collection, $275
A timepiece is always a hit as a Valentine's Day gift and to have it at this price point is a win/win for all.
Fellow Barber Signature Candle, $60
Your man will appreciate this multi functioning gift as it will make his place smell like a cypress forest and when its done he can use it as a cup.
Santa Maria Novella, Latte Corpo Uomo, Men's Body Milk, $96
If your man is a history buff he will appreciate this body lotion made from the finest ingredients with a formula used for past centuries for men all over Europe.
Taschen, "The Little Book of Pin Up, Vargas", by Dian Hanson, $9.99
What a sexy gift to flip through before you end your Valentine's Day evening.
Marie Belle Chocolates, 16 piece Caramel Box, $40
These chocolates are so beautiful you may not want to eat them but their innovative flavors will change your mind.
Greenwich Letterpress Valentines Day Card, "Brain on Love" $5
Forget Hallmark, come to Greenwich Letterpress to find Valentines Day cards with wit and romance that you know are also unique at the same time.
So hopefully our recommendations have given you some ideas that will lead to an evening of unconditional love, lust and items you and your bae will cherish forever.
Happy Valentine's Day!
By Natalie Rivera
design theft, fashion, fashion blog, New York City, shopping guide, artisans
The Local Artisan Guide is fortunate enough to be based in downtown Manhattan, in the neighborhood of Soho which has great energy, stores, restaurants and some of the best residences in New York City. Soho is also surrounded by hotels, where you see countless tourists everyday exploring all New York has to offer. Usually their country’s currency is good for shopping in the United States so they have researched ahead of time premier shopping destinations that will give them more bang for their buck (or Pound, Yen, Euro). Soho, Century 21, Nolita, Williamsburg are on their list for shopping and finding great bargains however unfortunately so is an area right next to Soho which is Chinatown.
Chinatown is a great destination in New York City to go to for delicious, affordable food, groceries, cultural shock and wares from Asia. However Chinatown is a destination for many tourist for all the wrong reasons.
Bus loads of tourists make their way to Canal Street and Chinatown every day in New York City to look for inexpensive souvenirs of NYC which are aplenty but even more notorious in this part of town is that Chinatown, especially Canal Street is the mecca for counterfeit products.
Handbags, luggage, watches, fragrances, sunglasses etc. are all counterfeit. They are copies of the most well known international brands in the world; Prada, Gucci, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Rolex, Tumi, etc. Street hawkers will whisper to you as you go by to look at their wares, they will even invite you into backroom areas to see more high end product they swear are real. If you walk away they will start haggling with you to close the deal.
A view of the counterfeit shops that line Canal St. in Chinatown, NYC and their wares. Hopefully froggy is legitimate.
If you think for one second that the product is genuine or it doesn’t matter purchasing counterfeit products, let me remove all doubt and ignorance so you don’t even begin to justify that you are just getting a bargain or paying what you think is fair and the large multinational conglomerates will not miss a penny.
Counterfeit fragrances sold on Canal St., Chinatown, NYC.
The main bulk of the counterfeit products come from China. China is a master of illegally counterfeiting product. As most mass retailers have their products made in China, there is a culture of factories replicating and selling the products domestically and internationally at a dramatic cut cost in black markets across the world. Many so called reputable factories in China will produce legitimate products legally and near by have a sister factory producing the same stolen designs and intellectual property illegally.
Counterfeit handbags and watches sold on Canal St., Chinatown, NYC.
As a former product development manager who had to travel frequently to Asia to review the product I was developing, I saw whole shopping plazas in China with stores that were all counterfeit. I even once found a store in China that had the name of the brand I was working for even though we did not have a brick and mortar store in the United States. As I looked into the windows of the closed shop, I saw a mixture of our handbag designs and their own designs but with our leathers and fabric patterns. The shop actually looked quite nice and luxurious. However it was all counterfeit. There was a fake Donna Karan shop, fake Calvin Klein, fake Pucci, etc., etc..
Here is what you are contributing to when you buy counterfeit items; besides depriving well known brands of your money for their products, when you buy counterfeit you are contributing to child slavery, dangerous work conditions, poor salaries with workers that have little or no rights plus a multitude of other labor violations. You see, when a factory is illegal there is no regulation of any kind. It is a sweat shop where the government or social compliance auditors cannot oversee to make sure there is a safe, humane labor practice occurring.
Do not try to fool yourself for one minute that this is not the case no matter what the hawker will tell you. Unfair circumstances that we cannot imagine happening are occurring all over the world and when you buy counterfeit product you are not only contributing to it you are encouraging it.
Some of the counterfeit handbag brands sold on the street on Canal St., Chinatown, NYC.
All over the world there are areas like Canal St. that specialize in selling counterfeit items. Once while I was in Florence, Italy walking down one of the streets that legitimately sold the high end accessories brands of the world, I noticed right after the shops closed, immigrant hawkers came and laid out the same counterfeit bags that you saw in the store windows on the ground and for a fraction of their retail cost. It was very bold. Yet still counterfeit.
There are even seemingly nice, legitimate stores in Soho that have a mix of genuine vintage high end handbags and what they claim are an overstock of “it bags”. These bags are very easy to fool even a trained eye. They have quality raw materials, follow the designs of “it bags” and copy the packaging of the bags to the tee. They even have the cards with the certification copied down expertly. If you see a vintage Chanel that you are quite sure is legitimate, why wouldn’t you think the Celine bag that is just a few feet away, still in new condition not real? Be warned these bags are not $100, they are sold for over $1000 and more as they are claiming the product is new or overstock. Remember if its too good to be true, it usually is.
Police raids on vendors selling counterfeit product on Canal St., Chinatown, NYC.
There are frequent raids on Canal St., but the norm is to see sellers are out in the open hawking their wares which makes a tourist think that this is quite legal. However you as the shopper can also get in trouble for obtaining illegal counterfeit product so is it really worth it? Some countries in Europe will give you a ridiculously high fine if they catch you with counterfeit product when you come into customs. If you have any questions on whether a product is counterfeit or not, you can call customer service of the brand you are questioning or Google as there are many articles and sites that teach you how to determine if a product is legitimate or not and how to avoid counterfeits.
So whether its a keychain, handbag, watch or whatever you see hawked on Canal St., Chinatown, (or anywhere around the world that have similar markets) The Local Artisan Guide wants you to remember if you read this article you now know the truth and your decisions are now informed decisions. What kind of world that you would like to contribute to?
No excuses.
By Natalie Rivera
artisans, fashion, fashion blog, shopping guide
Recently at a holiday party a guest complimented me on my black tuxedo pants. I confessed to her that I had them for longer than I cared to admit, it was a Vivienne Tam investment piece I acquired for myself when I was much younger. The pants were on sale and once I tried them on I decided it would be one of those clothing staples I would always cherish.
That got me to thinking about the pieces in my wardrobe that I have owned for years yet have remained fashionable and timeless. The Local Artisan Guide is a big advocate of "Slow Fashion". We encourage shoppers to invest in pieces that you know are going to be in your wardrobe for so long, you may to ward off your daughter and friends from trying to “borrow” them from you.
After rummaging through my closet and asking some friends whose styles I have always admired for their feedback, I came up with five “Slow Fashion Staples” that every woman would benefit from having in their wardrobe. These are pieces that should be executed well and made with quality materials. Whether you find them at Prada or your local artisanal boutique they need not cost a fortune but will always be worth the investment in the long term. With comparison shopping online or using The Local Artisan Guide you can find quality staple pieces that will act as your contribution to sustainable shopping which in the end in has a positive domino effect and benefits our planet. Here are my five top recommendations:
Black Tuxedo Pants: I love how men look in a tuxedo. I can’t believe there was an era when men wore them daily which makes me realize I was born at the wrong time. Men have been wearing tuxedo pants for centuries and looking rather consistently divine so why shouldn’t we women follow suit? No pun intended! My black tuxedo pants go with everything from a white button down blouse to my animal pattern cape. I can wear it with boots or any type of dress shoe and it looks elegant and put together. Its a no brainer and perfect for any formal event or evening out.
Trina Turk Black Tuxedo Pants
Sheath Dress: On everyone’s list of "must have" items usually a LBD (little black dress) makes the top of the list. Although I definitely agree an LDB is a must, I feel you can have more range by owning a sheath dress. One of my first big purchases when I was younger was a sheath dress from Giorgio Armani. It is powder blue, the cut is quite classic and the material is of such high quality I am always immediately complimented when I wear it. The dress is actually an incentive for me to stay in shape as I would hate to not be able to wear it any longer. A sheath dress can be any color that compliments you best, it doesn’t have to be just black. It is great for interviews, presentations, formal events and can go from day to evening. Accessories will always make it look fresh and modern. Make sure the material and cut are flattering to your figure or it will defeat the purpose of the purchase.
Ava-Aiden Sheath Dress
Navy Blazer: As one who loves to wear Breton stripe shirts in the summer, I discovered that navy blazers were very complimentary to this look. I was fortunate to purchase an affordable Ralph Lauren navy blazer with brass buttons and it has been one of my style staples since then. My blazer is immaculately tailored and very sliming. I love how it goes from high to low and elevates any outfit. I can wear it for work (over my sheath dresses) yet it looks great with jeans and a white tee. Its part of my uniform for when I travel making me look fashionable yet comfortable (not an easy feat when traveling).
J. Crew Navy Blazer
Statement Necklace: I own a red beaded coral statement necklace that was made on a loom that came from a small island in the South Pacific. The color is vibrant and the weave is very unique. When I wear the necklace I am constantly asked where I got it from and on numerous occasions have had people offer to buy it from me right off my neck. It helps bring any outfit I have to life and is always a conversational piece. Whether its from your grandmother, a local jeweler, an accessories shop or a vintage store; a statement necklace, especially one that is finely crafted and not overtly trendy will be one of those investment pieces that can help bring your outfit from day to evening. Many local jewelers will even work with you on custom pieces that will make sure your statement necklace is original to you and your vision.
Kenneth Jay Lane Statement Necklace
Vintage Bag: When my stepmother’s mother passed away, my stepmom was kind enough to pass onto me her mother’s silver beaded flapper’s purse. I use it for galas and special events and can be assured no other woman in the room is carrying anything as lovely and special. In a society where women (and some men) use high fashion brand handbags to state to the world their net worth and self value, nothing to me is more confident and stylish than a woman proudly toting a bag that is either vintage or from a smaller more artisanal designer. To be assured that your handbag does not define you but reflects your unique fashion sense is a sign of a person who has truly mastered their own unique style and marches to the beat of their own drummer. Simply acquiring “it bags” makes a statement that emanates more from the ego and not your own sense of self which at length reflects the person you are. Vintage bags and smaller artisan brands are not only original in design but make for great sustainable slow fashion items.
Art Deco Rhinestone Handbag from Etsy
So when shopping and trying to figure out if you are growing your "Slow Fashion" wardrobe, just ask yourself these few questions. Are these items made to last? When I am dead and gone will people be fighting over these items? Does this piece always make me feel good about myself? Can you see the piece as timeless and classic? Are you "IN LOVE" with this particular item and can see yourself years from now filled with regret if you walked away from it? Well if you answer yes to any of those questions, you are on your way to growing your Slow Fashion wardrobe and growing a more sustainable world around you.
By Natalie Rivera
artisans, fashion, New York City, shopping guide, fashion blog
But we still have quite a ways to go.
Almost a year is upon us as we started social media for The Local Artisan Guide and we are now going live to show you some of the neighborhoods in New York City that we have been exploring and carefully curating for the discerning shopper. More neighborhoods will be added in the future and more stores, boutiques, artisans and smaller brands will be added on a daily basis.
Plus besides Brick & Mortar shops will be soon be adding on a daily basis a "Local Artisan Brand" which are brands that operate with an online site or are wholesale. Future cities both domestic and overseas will be added and we are currently working on our app. The app will help you not only find the artisan of your choosing but will help you organize your speciality shopping finds, be apart of a rewards program, use your social media to highlight your finds and most of all shine a light on artisans, sustainability and giving back to the community. We are designing the app to be fun to use and share.
In the meantime please follow us on social media (links below), join our newsletter and any feedback, comments, questions inquiries will be greatly appreciated.
We will start having more blogs, interviews and video added to our site plus collaborations and promotional events.
We are very excited and we hope you are too. So if you don't want to walk in a room and find someone else dressed the same as yourself in head to toe Prada, are environmentally conscious of the impact "fast fashion" has in our world and love being an individual in your style both in fashion, beauty and home we are the site for you.
Natalie Rivera
Founder, The Local Artisan Guide
